LPS - Screenplay Plot Structure (Lesson)

Screenplay Plot Structure

Introduction

“I call it the “Save the Cat” scene. They don’t put it into movies anymore. And it’s basic. It’s the scene where we meet the hero and the hero does something – like saving a cat – that defines who he is and makes us, the audience, like him” - Blake Snyder explaining the title of his book, Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need.

Blake Snyder’s detailed breakdown of key moments in movies, and when they should happen have reshaped the way many screenwriters look at mapping out a plot. In this microlesson, we will look at how Snyder’s beats further breakdown the three-act structure proposed by Syd Field.

How many of these statements accurately describe your own personal choices?  The more you resonated with, the healthier your lifestyle.  

Syd Fields Three-Act Structure

In the presentation below, we will briefly review Syd Field's three-act structure. Then we will expand our understanding by looking into Blake Snyder's more nuanced Three Act Structure through beats. A document to accompany the presentation is included below.

Download the document "Screenplay Structure" from Save the Cats. Links to an external site.

Beat Cards and Plot Mapping

Plot mapping is very similar for screenplays and theatrical literature. While Snyder’s formula isn’t the only way to teach plot structure, it is important explore mapping out a story using this structure. One of the ways to do this is to use beat cards.

• If the story is too ambiguous to define in logline format, then it needs more planning. The process of forcing the action into concise beats solves problems in the writing early on. Know where you are going. Write before you write.

The Beat Card Exercise for Plot Mapping is an excellent way to explore the process as an artist or a student. You will have an opportunity to practice this method in the assignment for this module.

Beats Review

 

IMAGES  & VIDEOS CREATED BY GAVS